When we talk about mountains, one of the fundamental pillars to take into account in all our outings is safety. In an environment where both the terrain and the weather is unpredictable, it is necessary to be properly equipped to face all situations that may arise. And among all this equipment or material to choose with caution, there is, of course, the footwear.
And it is that hiking shoes can help us enjoy our passage through the mountains or nature in a safer and more comfortable way. The type of sole and its characteristics, the resistance of its upper or the cushioning against the terrain are factors that, in an essential way, will intervene in the course of all our crossings. But of course, the mountain market is very wide and includes an infinite number of brands, technologies and materials, among which it is sometimes difficult to discern the best.
Therefore, on this occasion, we want to bring you a specific selection of hiking shoes and/or trekking shoes made by the RUNNEA team. In the following list, therefore, you will find what to us are the most outstanding silhouettes, to date, in the mountain market. While it is true that we could highlight many trail running shoes that would also fit perfectly with those "non-runners" mountaineers, we will focus on models of greater structure (mostly), with good cushioning and great strength and durability. Do not miss it!
The 12 best hiking shoes 2024
As we have mentioned, in a market flooded with high quality products and with the emergence of new and effective technologies, choosing among different models most suitable to our needs is complicated.
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Go to the Shoe FinderTherefore, to make your decision easier, from the RUNNEA team we want to bring you the mountain silhouettes that stand as the 12 best options for this summer of 2024. Shoes with and without waterproofing, for all types of weights and with cushioning, safety and stability as main features. Remember also that the choice of your favorite hiking shoes should be subject to your needs, your specific goals and even the terrain in which you move.
New Balance Tektrel
The New Balance Tektrel is a hiking shoe designed with technologies and a style that also make it suitable for occasional mountain running. The upper combines synthetic and textile materials with a reinforced coating for enhanced durability. The midsole incorporates high-performance foam for comfortable cushioning, while the outsole is equipped with the brand's own AT Tread compound for versatile traction. It offers an 8-millimetre drop and a lightweight design at just 300 grams.
Adidas Terrex AX4 Gore-Tex
The adidas Terrex AX4 Gore-Tex are suitable for walking and hiking, and are now in their fourth edition. Featuring an updated design aimed at offering a more visually appealing shoe, they retain the same technological features as their predecessor. The most notable structural change is a less pronounced arch and a groove in the center of the sole, which provides the Terrex AX4 with improved flexibility.
ASICS Gel Venture 9
The ASICS Gel Venture 9 is the latest version of one of the most popular shoes of the brand to start running or walking in the mountains and that, in this latest version, improves in aspects such as stability and protection.
- Surface: Trail
- Use: Training
- Cushion: Neutral
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 10 mm
- Pace: Low, Medium
- Weight: 252 gr
The North Face Vectiv Exploris 2
The new The North Face Vectiv Exploris 2 are one of the highest quality models for hiking & walking, especially for excursions in the mountains. This model boasts leather finishes with inspiration from their trail running models thanks to the latest generation Vectiv technology. A model of great fit and protection, with incredible grip and proven durability.
The North Face Vectiv Exploris 2
The North Face Vectiv Exploris 2
Merrell MQM 3 GORE-TEX
The Merrell MQM 3 GORE-TEX is the waterproof version of the third edition of one of the American company's best-selling shoes. A standout feature of the Merrell MQM 3 GTX is its exceptional comfort and convenience. It leverages the Merrell Air Cushion and Super Rebound Compound technologies to deliver superior shock absorption in the heel area, while also improving stability with each step. The shoe's waterproof GORE-TEX membrane ensures that no external elements can penetrate, keeping the foot in its natural state. Additionally, it features a protective toe cap designed to prevent injuries from roots and stones, which are common hazards when walking in the mountains.
Puma Explore NITRO
The Puma Explore Nitro features an innovative midsole where the foam is infused with nitrogen, blending this element with Puma's own technology, PROFOAMLITE. This creates an extremely lightweight foam that provides cushioning and enhances reactivity with each step. The quality extends to the outsole as well, which is made from the high-performance PUMAGRIP ATR rubber compound, specifically designed for mountain terrain. Additionally, the upper incorporates the adaptive OPTIFIT system, allowing for personalized fit adjustments. Together, these features create a shoe with a 6-millimetre drop and a lightweight profile.
Lafuma SHIFT GORE-TEX
The Lafuma SHIFT GORE-TEX are boots for hiking and walking that represent the most protective standard of the SHIFT range, designed for short to medium distances. They are notable for their low-cut design and minimalist aesthetics. Featuring a Gore-Tex membrane, they are fully waterproof, offering enhanced protection against water, moisture, and mud. These shoes are well-suited even for athletes weighing over 80-85 kilograms, ensuring a perfect fit.
Lowa Innox Pro GTX
The new Lowa Innox Pro GTX is now available, a shoe that stands out for offering a good combination of protection and comfort for our mountain routes and with the incorporation of the Gore-Tex membrane.
Salomon XA PRO 3D V9
The Salomon XA PRO 3D V9 is a versatile shoe for hiking and walking designed to face the most demanding and complete excursions. The high-performance EVA EnergyCell+ cushioning technology incorporated in its midsole, offers excellent cushioning while the upper, constructed through a 3D mesh, is a fabric of maximum strength and durability. They stand out for maintaining a high-traction All-Terrain Contagrip compound outsole, and an advanced low-profile 3D chassis. A set of around 360 grams of weight and 11 millimeters of drop that will not leave you disappointed.
Columbia Konos TRS OutDry
The Columbia Konos TRS OutDry are hiking shoes that stand out for their versatility and offer a perfect balance between comfort, stability and traction, allowing us to enjoy our routes through the mountains.
Timberland Winsor Trail Low
The new Timberland Winsor Trail Low are now available, hiking shoes with which we can walk routes through not excessively technical terrain and which are made with a high percentage of recycled and bio-based materials.
Salomon X Ultra 360 Gore-Tex
The new Salomon X Ultra 360 Gore-Tex is a hiking shoe from the Annecy brand that is part of the X range, which gives us all the guarantees of protection and comfort for our mountain routes, in addition to incorporating some of the most outstanding technologies of the brand.
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